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Claimed #1
Claimed
My first love was my best friend, Zachary Rostov. He was the boy next door, my secret keeper, and knight in rugged denim; he saw me even when the world looked away.
He loved me before anyone else did, but he broke my heart into a thousand pieces and took the shattered shards with him when he walked away. I left behind the small, poor town in Indiana we both grew up in and moved to Chicago. I was still poor, desperately so, and that poverty had me make a choice, had me make a terrible decision that led me to almost being arrested. The only reason I'm not in prison is because of one man.
Vincent Jamison.
Vincent isn’t the boy I left behind. He’s a man—dominant, powerful, rich. His life couldn’t be more different from the one I remember living in Indiana. He sweeps me off my feet into a fairytale, like the ones I always dreamed of, and I think maybe my prince has finally come.
But Vincent doesn’t just want to save me. He wants to claim me. Own me.And as I realize that Vincent and I have very different meanings of happily ever after, I can’t help but think of my past; it’s blurring with my future, and I wonder if my white knight from long ago can keep his promise to always save me.
He loved me before anyone else did, but he broke my heart into a thousand pieces and took the shattered shards with him when he walked away. I left behind the small, poor town in Indiana we both grew up in and moved to Chicago. I was still poor, desperately so, and that poverty had me make a choice, had me make a terrible decision that led me to almost being arrested. The only reason I'm not in prison is because of one man.
Vincent Jamison.
Vincent isn’t the boy I left behind. He’s a man—dominant, powerful, rich. His life couldn’t be more different from the one I remember living in Indiana. He sweeps me off my feet into a fairytale, like the ones I always dreamed of, and I think maybe my prince has finally come.
But Vincent doesn’t just want to save me. He wants to claim me. Own me.And as I realize that Vincent and I have very different meanings of happily ever after, I can’t help but think of my past; it’s blurring with my future, and I wonder if my white knight from long ago can keep his promise to always save me.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2020
323 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books408 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 2, 2020
*Review copy received for an honest review*
4.5 Fifty Shades Gone Wrong stars!!!
Well, what a hot mess that ending is!! Honestly, I knew where some of that was going, but that way??? I am frustrated, mad, hurt, in love, and hopeful all from this book. Rain, we really need to talk. I love you, girl, but WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?! You are not Anastacia, and Vincent is not Christian! It was all right there in front of you the whole time, you just didn’t listen to your gut. Every Vincent and Rain chapter had me screaming, NO, DON’T DO IT!!!
But anyways, rant over...I think!
Now what I really need to say is I loved Zach...Oh wait, I meant to say I loved this story ;) Claimed is Rain, Zach, and Vincent’s story. Vincent needs to get lost, but Zach and Rain are amazing!! Both kids who had it rough growing up, and deserve the world. But you know it can never be that easy, so you will want to read this story to see what life brings them :)
The authors did an amazing job of keeping the flow going without anyone knowing two people wrote it. Every chapter had me at the edge of my seat for something, whether it was Rain and Zach or Rain and Vincent. I knew Vincent was bad news from the moment he stepped into this story. Go away Vincent!!!
Portia has always been one of my favorites, so I knew I needed to get my hands on this story as soon as I saw it happening! And now I need to get my hands on the next one. No spoilers, but Claimed ends in a cliffhanger, a cliffhanger that truly leaves you mouthing the words “WTF” But I really did say the words ;) So, all this jibber jabbering just to say READ IT!
I’m not kidding! Go! Now! Read it and report back :)
4.5 Fifty Shades Gone Wrong stars!!!
Well, what a hot mess that ending is!! Honestly, I knew where some of that was going, but that way??? I am frustrated, mad, hurt, in love, and hopeful all from this book. Rain, we really need to talk. I love you, girl, but WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?! You are not Anastacia, and Vincent is not Christian! It was all right there in front of you the whole time, you just didn’t listen to your gut. Every Vincent and Rain chapter had me screaming, NO, DON’T DO IT!!!
But anyways, rant over...I think!
Now what I really need to say is I loved Zach...Oh wait, I meant to say I loved this story ;) Claimed is Rain, Zach, and Vincent’s story. Vincent needs to get lost, but Zach and Rain are amazing!! Both kids who had it rough growing up, and deserve the world. But you know it can never be that easy, so you will want to read this story to see what life brings them :)
The authors did an amazing job of keeping the flow going without anyone knowing two people wrote it. Every chapter had me at the edge of my seat for something, whether it was Rain and Zach or Rain and Vincent. I knew Vincent was bad news from the moment he stepped into this story. Go away Vincent!!!
Portia has always been one of my favorites, so I knew I needed to get my hands on this story as soon as I saw it happening! And now I need to get my hands on the next one. No spoilers, but Claimed ends in a cliffhanger, a cliffhanger that truly leaves you mouthing the words “WTF” But I really did say the words ;) So, all this jibber jabbering just to say READ IT!
I’m not kidding! Go! Now! Read it and report back :)
April 30, 2020
My new baby!
May 9, 2021
Red Flags all over the place and our "red shirted heroine" ignores them. Then she develops a hefty martyr complex, which is not a trope I like. One which the hero also has as he decides for her that they shouldn't be together because he's "bad or rather might possibly in the future become bad". So what do you get when you have not 1 but 2 "red shirts" mixed with a cheating sociopath? A reader who will be going No farther in this series, and is seriously reconsidering whether to read anything else from this author.
January 13, 2022
I guess I'll keep reading
I really didn't like the book until the last 10% it was very slow and the back and forth was quite annoying. Rain was mind blowingly naive and her personality just didn't make much sense. She was so set on being independent but she was dependent on a man in one way or another for the entire book. Its good to have buildup but this was really too much for me I found myself scrolling through a lot of it. I'll check out the next one because I'm bored but I really don't feel very invested. None of the characters were the least bit likable or even relatable.
I really didn't like the book until the last 10% it was very slow and the back and forth was quite annoying. Rain was mind blowingly naive and her personality just didn't make much sense. She was so set on being independent but she was dependent on a man in one way or another for the entire book. Its good to have buildup but this was really too much for me I found myself scrolling through a lot of it. I'll check out the next one because I'm bored but I really don't feel very invested. None of the characters were the least bit likable or even relatable.
January 30, 2021
The main character was annoyingly naive if not to say plain stupid. What's more, the ending is a cliffhanger that strongly suggests there's going to be a second book, which was not indicated anywhere, which annoyed me, especially that I wanted to read a standalone.
April 30, 2020
Loved it! If you have read anything by Portia you know you’re in for a treat. This book was really enjoyable, very hard to put down. Great characters, loved the time hops.
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October 16, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/15/2021)! 🎁
April 23, 2022
Please please can romance authors let go of their madonna-wh*re complex. The main character, Rain was the most judgemental , misogynistic, self-absorbed female character I’ve read in a while. Story and writing aside, I could not continue to read this book,
The consistent judgment towards girls that the MC was attracted to, judging because they wore makeup or nice clothes, which apparently makes them superficial. Or calling girls “slutty groupies”. It was not likable and i had little sympathy for her constant crying. The way she interfered in every relationship he had as if she had a right.
The way she thought it is acceptable to lie to the girls as if he isnt manipulating everyone. I really disliked her and I disliked Zach for encouraging her behaviour and liking her for it because she is ‘innocent’.
This misogyny continued when she was happy that Vincent sees her as ‘different from the other girls’. As if thats not a red flag.
I had so little sympathy for her especially when she judged anybody that tried to help her. naive or no, she was rude, judgmental and quite stupid. And I dislike Zach for loving her that way.
The consistent judgment towards girls that the MC was attracted to, judging because they wore makeup or nice clothes, which apparently makes them superficial. Or calling girls “slutty groupies”. It was not likable and i had little sympathy for her constant crying. The way she interfered in every relationship he had as if she had a right.
The way she thought it is acceptable to lie to the girls as if he isnt manipulating everyone. I really disliked her and I disliked Zach for encouraging her behaviour and liking her for it because she is ‘innocent’.
This misogyny continued when she was happy that Vincent sees her as ‘different from the other girls’. As if thats not a red flag.
I had so little sympathy for her especially when she judged anybody that tried to help her. naive or no, she was rude, judgmental and quite stupid. And I dislike Zach for loving her that way.
April 30, 2020
4.5 STARS
Omg i jus finished this book and whoa!!!! I felt so many emotions... so many thoughts, soooo much going on in my mind while reading this. I was yelling NOOOOOO and then smiling so big. It was sweet, angsty, romantic and everything in between. I was hooked waiting to see what happens next. What a roller coaster of emotions. And omg Zach i m in LOVE. Rain is such a sweet, innocent girl and totally relatable. I love their story so much and aww the emotional heartbreak 😭😍And god Vincent damn it. I knew he would be trouble....
And the end omg i cannot wait to see what happen next. Another amazing, left you wanting more read by Portia Moore and fantastic beginning for Monique James.
Omg i jus finished this book and whoa!!!! I felt so many emotions... so many thoughts, soooo much going on in my mind while reading this. I was yelling NOOOOOO and then smiling so big. It was sweet, angsty, romantic and everything in between. I was hooked waiting to see what happens next. What a roller coaster of emotions. And omg Zach i m in LOVE. Rain is such a sweet, innocent girl and totally relatable. I love their story so much and aww the emotional heartbreak 😭😍And god Vincent damn it. I knew he would be trouble....
And the end omg i cannot wait to see what happen next. Another amazing, left you wanting more read by Portia Moore and fantastic beginning for Monique James.
November 3, 2022
I like this writer and have enjoyed her other books. This one did NOT grab me. I didn't like the back and forth from past to present. Switched to much. Also the characters weren't that likeable. I didn't think any of them had any remediable quality's. So it was hard to become invested in this story. I will give book 2 a shot but if its like book 1 I'm done.
June 9, 2020
Holy Moly!! What an ending!! Frustrating and captivating all in one story and then it turned explosive! Wow! Great read!!
January 1, 2022
Not worth reading the 2nd book for the ending.
January 21, 2022
Got repetitive. Sped read to get to the next book.
October 4, 2022
Annoyed with myself for finishing this book
I hate throwing books on the dnf pile but i forced myself to finish this one. Why i didn’t like it?
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
The book starts off promising
Introducing readers to Zack and Rain, two characters that are in bad situations in their childhood homes with Rain being your average nervous 13-year-old, and Zach being the cool guy with a heart of Who steps and I noticed she has her period, and gives her jacket to cover her pants and walk her to the nurse.
The book progresses to tell you the developing relationship between Rain and Zack as they are kids and growing up in between chapters. Where you meet Rain again as an adult living paycheck to paycheck working at a knock off Hooters. She tries to shoplift to make ends, meet and meets Vincent, a painfully, handsome, wealthy guy who works in real estate.
At first things with Vincent are a dream come true he’s kind he is understanding, encouraging of her life and her dreams but the more she gives in to him, the longer they’re in a relationship the more she starts to realize he’s trying to control her, but she keeps getting into the situations where she is basically under his thumb.
by the time the book wraps up, Rain is in an impossible situation, where she hast to choose between cancer treatments for a loved one and staying with Vincent and possibly leaving Vincent, who at this point is treating her poorly financially abusing her and emotionally abusing her.
Would start it off as a strong, intelligent young woman is now a broken victim of abuse. While he may not hit her, he is still manipulating and using her. While the sex scenes are okay, they’re definitely not a steamy as some reviewers are saying, and those do not redeem the book at all Vincent is an asshole who cheats on Rain.
I kept pushing myself to finish this book because I didn’t want it to be another book that I did not finish and also I was still hoping there would be a redemption moment where Vincent would make good on all of his promises, and he would love this young woman the way that he should but instead the financial abuse and gaslighting got more intense, and the red flags got bigger . I know there is another book in the series and I’m sure things wrapped up or get better or something but I will not be continuing this series because I do not read books for a tiny bit of payout I read them to enjoy This book had such intense, emotional and financial abuse i am unable to enjoy it.
I hate throwing books on the dnf pile but i forced myself to finish this one. Why i didn’t like it?
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
The book starts off promising
Introducing readers to Zack and Rain, two characters that are in bad situations in their childhood homes with Rain being your average nervous 13-year-old, and Zach being the cool guy with a heart of Who steps and I noticed she has her period, and gives her jacket to cover her pants and walk her to the nurse.
The book progresses to tell you the developing relationship between Rain and Zack as they are kids and growing up in between chapters. Where you meet Rain again as an adult living paycheck to paycheck working at a knock off Hooters. She tries to shoplift to make ends, meet and meets Vincent, a painfully, handsome, wealthy guy who works in real estate.
At first things with Vincent are a dream come true he’s kind he is understanding, encouraging of her life and her dreams but the more she gives in to him, the longer they’re in a relationship the more she starts to realize he’s trying to control her, but she keeps getting into the situations where she is basically under his thumb.
by the time the book wraps up, Rain is in an impossible situation, where she hast to choose between cancer treatments for a loved one and staying with Vincent and possibly leaving Vincent, who at this point is treating her poorly financially abusing her and emotionally abusing her.
Would start it off as a strong, intelligent young woman is now a broken victim of abuse. While he may not hit her, he is still manipulating and using her. While the sex scenes are okay, they’re definitely not a steamy as some reviewers are saying, and those do not redeem the book at all Vincent is an asshole who cheats on Rain.
I kept pushing myself to finish this book because I didn’t want it to be another book that I did not finish and also I was still hoping there would be a redemption moment where Vincent would make good on all of his promises, and he would love this young woman the way that he should but instead the financial abuse and gaslighting got more intense, and the red flags got bigger . I know there is another book in the series and I’m sure things wrapped up or get better or something but I will not be continuing this series because I do not read books for a tiny bit of payout I read them to enjoy This book had such intense, emotional and financial abuse i am unable to enjoy it.
February 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book - it had a lot of the tropes that don't annoy me when done well. Which I think they did.
Naive in-over-her head young heroine - check - but she's a teenager and has an alcoholic parent .- I can see why she acts the way she does
Hero with a complex background - yes - not a total manwhore - and authors made me understand by showing me why he is the way he is not just telling me
Charismatic villain - Vincent is all that - he was so hot the first few chapters we met him - if he was less of an asshole and douche I actually might have cheered for him - but he isn't - he's full on selfish prick who I cannot wait to see go down.
Secondary characters were great as well - I hope that Mallory pops up again and that she is forgiving of Rain's choices - Dena I have no doubt will be caught screwing Vincent at some point.
Bring on book 2 and I so hope it does not disappoint.
Naive in-over-her head young heroine - check - but she's a teenager and has an alcoholic parent .- I can see why she acts the way she does
Hero with a complex background - yes - not a total manwhore - and authors made me understand by showing me why he is the way he is not just telling me
Charismatic villain - Vincent is all that - he was so hot the first few chapters we met him - if he was less of an asshole and douche I actually might have cheered for him - but he isn't - he's full on selfish prick who I cannot wait to see go down.
Secondary characters were great as well - I hope that Mallory pops up again and that she is forgiving of Rain's choices - Dena I have no doubt will be caught screwing Vincent at some point.
Bring on book 2 and I so hope it does not disappoint.
April 12, 2022
I did not enjoy this book. First some may find this not a major issue but it bugs me as a reader, there were many inconsistencies in the book such as ages, eye color (h is described as having brown eyes, but in one scene H mentions her blue yes), etc. I also really did not enjoy the flashback scenes, they were written in a very immature, one dimensional way. The plot was very predictable. I will not continue with the series which is very unlike me as I like to finish everything I start.
Read
June 2, 2022book hangover
If you want a book hangover we’ll read this series….. Rain meets Vincent and it is older man and age gap love… but wait… Rain gave her heart away a long time ago to Zack. This series has it all… love, mafia, and second chance at love. Please know there could be triggers for people of violence and sexual abuse.
If you want a book hangover we’ll read this series….. Rain meets Vincent and it is older man and age gap love… but wait… Rain gave her heart away a long time ago to Zack. This series has it all… love, mafia, and second chance at love. Please know there could be triggers for people of violence and sexual abuse.
October 19, 2021
Hard Pass.
Ok, I’ll never be a writer. I know this about myself. However, when I see such potential for an epic story… and then for it to turn out so badly!?! I am just annoyed. Like, “you could’ve been a contender!” 😩😑😤 Hard. Pass.
Ok, I’ll never be a writer. I know this about myself. However, when I see such potential for an epic story… and then for it to turn out so badly!?! I am just annoyed. Like, “you could’ve been a contender!” 😩😑😤 Hard. Pass.
January 31, 2022
Awesome read
Quite an interesting read that is two person pov with some flashbacks that make for a great story background. Quite good character development and I loved the prose. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I loved every minute of Claimed.
Quite an interesting read that is two person pov with some flashbacks that make for a great story background. Quite good character development and I loved the prose. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I loved every minute of Claimed.
February 12, 2022
AMAZING !!
Wow such an incredible story !! Vincent is rich , handsome and captivates Rain right from the start . How can such a charming man turn into such a brut , I’m obsessed with this series and can’t wait to read the next installment !!
Wow such an incredible story !! Vincent is rich , handsome and captivates Rain right from the start . How can such a charming man turn into such a brut , I’m obsessed with this series and can’t wait to read the next installment !!
February 6, 2022
👎👎👎👎
Too long and a waste of time. It was more like a daytime drama than a real Like Love Story not a good read
Too long and a waste of time. It was more like a daytime drama than a real Like Love Story not a good read
April 30, 2020
Whew. Words? I have to form words now. It's 5am here, and I just finished "Claimed". I started it this afternoon after finishing homeschooling my 3 kids, and knew once I started it was going to be one of those nights. You know the nights I'm talking about- when you pick up a book and it instantly sucks you in, and you spend hours with your teeth clenched, body tense, tears flowing. Then suddenly you finish and realize you just read straight through the night. And now you're wondering how you're gonna function today.
Rain is an adolescent girl, new to her school when she meets Zach and he comes to her rescue at the school cafeteria when he uses his jacket to help cover the evidence of the start of her period. The two become inseparable from then on. The love between the two teenagers is heartwarming and beautiful, and they are an absolutely incredible example of two kids fighting to overcome bad/tough home lives to become better people than the example given by their own parents. But life doesn't always work out the way you plan, and Zach disappears from Rain's life. Rain graduates high school and ends up in Chicago chasing her dream of a better life and hoping to become a writer when she meets incredibly rich and handsome Vincent. He sweeps her off her feet with glamorous clothes and parties, and helping her do the one thing she dreams of most as a dutiful daughter who watched alcohol tear her family apart and leave them broke- help take care of her family and ease her mother's burdens. It's an experience that will without question leave her forever changed.
This book was absolutely engrossing from start to finish. The book flashes back and forth from present day (19 year old Rain and Vincent) to 3-5 year old memories between Rain and Zach. I really felt a connection with Rain, a girl who grew up with an alcoholic father and a mother who gave everything she had to support the family and keep her marriage together with a man who loved the bottle more than anything. I have been that girl. Watching my mother lose everything good about herself in the bottle was crushing, but at the same time it made me strive to be a better person- much like Rain. She is a fighter, a survivor. Alcoholism doesn't just effect the alcoholic. It is immense pain for the loved ones around them. Thank you for shining a light on this issue. The author made Rain incredibly loveable, albeit very naive as one can expect a 19 year old girl to be. It was refreshing that despite her difficult life, she wasn't hardened and cynical like many authors paint their characters. When she felt happy, I felt happy. When she felt sad, I was sad. When she was shattered, I was shattered. I genuinely want her to get her happy ending. The characters are well written, I adore Zach, and need more of him desperately! One character instantly gave me bad vibes from the moment they came on the scene, which is superb writing as nothing about the character was really technically "bad". You could just feel they were. HOW DO YOU DO THAT!?!?!? Ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and a mind-blowing twist, and I'm DYING to know what happens next!!! It was a book that was difficult to put down (I felt real pain when I had to go feed my kids guys! 😂), and I will 100% be buying any book that comes out in this series. Well done!
Rain is an adolescent girl, new to her school when she meets Zach and he comes to her rescue at the school cafeteria when he uses his jacket to help cover the evidence of the start of her period. The two become inseparable from then on. The love between the two teenagers is heartwarming and beautiful, and they are an absolutely incredible example of two kids fighting to overcome bad/tough home lives to become better people than the example given by their own parents. But life doesn't always work out the way you plan, and Zach disappears from Rain's life. Rain graduates high school and ends up in Chicago chasing her dream of a better life and hoping to become a writer when she meets incredibly rich and handsome Vincent. He sweeps her off her feet with glamorous clothes and parties, and helping her do the one thing she dreams of most as a dutiful daughter who watched alcohol tear her family apart and leave them broke- help take care of her family and ease her mother's burdens. It's an experience that will without question leave her forever changed.
This book was absolutely engrossing from start to finish. The book flashes back and forth from present day (19 year old Rain and Vincent) to 3-5 year old memories between Rain and Zach. I really felt a connection with Rain, a girl who grew up with an alcoholic father and a mother who gave everything she had to support the family and keep her marriage together with a man who loved the bottle more than anything. I have been that girl. Watching my mother lose everything good about herself in the bottle was crushing, but at the same time it made me strive to be a better person- much like Rain. She is a fighter, a survivor. Alcoholism doesn't just effect the alcoholic. It is immense pain for the loved ones around them. Thank you for shining a light on this issue. The author made Rain incredibly loveable, albeit very naive as one can expect a 19 year old girl to be. It was refreshing that despite her difficult life, she wasn't hardened and cynical like many authors paint their characters. When she felt happy, I felt happy. When she felt sad, I was sad. When she was shattered, I was shattered. I genuinely want her to get her happy ending. The characters are well written, I adore Zach, and need more of him desperately! One character instantly gave me bad vibes from the moment they came on the scene, which is superb writing as nothing about the character was really technically "bad". You could just feel they were. HOW DO YOU DO THAT!?!?!? Ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and a mind-blowing twist, and I'm DYING to know what happens next!!! It was a book that was difficult to put down (I felt real pain when I had to go feed my kids guys! 😂), and I will 100% be buying any book that comes out in this series. Well done!
November 7, 2021
Awesome loved it,great book
April 30, 2020
Great Story! I couldn't put it down...
Rain grew up poor. Her mother is a high school teacher and her father is an unemployed drunk. They moved to a new town in Indiana when she was 13 years old. On her first day at her new school she meets Zach Rostov. Their mutual poor, dysfunctional family lives bond them, and they quickly become best friends. She develops a crush on Zach that ultimately leads to love.
The story bounces back and forth between her life with Zach, 3-5 years ago, as she grows from age 13-16 and her life in the present. “Present day Rain” is 19 years old. She lives in Chicago with her two roommates while they work for a “Hooters wannabe” bar called Fun Bags. She ends up meeting Vincent Jamison (under some unusual circumstances). He is a very wealthy, charismatic, good-looking older man. They end up in a whirl wind relationship. He lavishes her with expensive gifts of designer clothing, accessories and jewelry. He also introduces her to fine dining, jet-setting to fabulous places, and mind-blowing sex!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a HUGE fan of Portia Moore. I’ve read all her books. I’ve loved them all. And this one did not disappoint! It was easy to read and kept you on the edge of your seat until the very end (and beyond – warning: cliffhanger!)
I LOVED Zach, and I liked Rain, but I had some issues with her. I did not like or trust Vincent from the beginning (red flags everywhere). I was bothered by the way that Rain seemed so nonchalant about Zach’s relationships with other girls. I understand that she was supposed to be “just a friend” to him, but I didn’t really feel her pain or heartbreak when she was exposed to his relationships with these girls (rather blatantly). “Present day Rain” was beyond frustrating to me at times. I realize that most of this was because she was so young and very naïve, but she never spoke up for herself. Just tell him that your name is “Rain” and you don’t want to be called “Poppy”! She didn’t ask questions, or even attempt to learn anything about Vincent. I also had difficulty with her decisions (to basically ruin her life) in order to help her family. (particularly her father, who never did anything to help her or his family). She was supposed to be smart and wanted to be an independent woman, yet she continually chose the path that led to more dependence on Vincent. The “pre-Vincent Rain” found ways to survive despite the circumstances. The “after-Vincent” Rain just gave up without trying.
Throughout the whole story, I was wondering when (or how) the two parts of Rain’s life would intersect. We get a glimpse of that at the end of this book, but we must wait for the next book to discover how it plays out. I will definitely continue this journey when book 2: Found is available. I would rate this book with 4.5 out of 5 stars because of the issues with Rain that I mentioned above.
Rain grew up poor. Her mother is a high school teacher and her father is an unemployed drunk. They moved to a new town in Indiana when she was 13 years old. On her first day at her new school she meets Zach Rostov. Their mutual poor, dysfunctional family lives bond them, and they quickly become best friends. She develops a crush on Zach that ultimately leads to love.
The story bounces back and forth between her life with Zach, 3-5 years ago, as she grows from age 13-16 and her life in the present. “Present day Rain” is 19 years old. She lives in Chicago with her two roommates while they work for a “Hooters wannabe” bar called Fun Bags. She ends up meeting Vincent Jamison (under some unusual circumstances). He is a very wealthy, charismatic, good-looking older man. They end up in a whirl wind relationship. He lavishes her with expensive gifts of designer clothing, accessories and jewelry. He also introduces her to fine dining, jet-setting to fabulous places, and mind-blowing sex!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a HUGE fan of Portia Moore. I’ve read all her books. I’ve loved them all. And this one did not disappoint! It was easy to read and kept you on the edge of your seat until the very end (and beyond – warning: cliffhanger!)
I LOVED Zach, and I liked Rain, but I had some issues with her. I did not like or trust Vincent from the beginning (red flags everywhere). I was bothered by the way that Rain seemed so nonchalant about Zach’s relationships with other girls. I understand that she was supposed to be “just a friend” to him, but I didn’t really feel her pain or heartbreak when she was exposed to his relationships with these girls (rather blatantly). “Present day Rain” was beyond frustrating to me at times. I realize that most of this was because she was so young and very naïve, but she never spoke up for herself. Just tell him that your name is “Rain” and you don’t want to be called “Poppy”! She didn’t ask questions, or even attempt to learn anything about Vincent. I also had difficulty with her decisions (to basically ruin her life) in order to help her family. (particularly her father, who never did anything to help her or his family). She was supposed to be smart and wanted to be an independent woman, yet she continually chose the path that led to more dependence on Vincent. The “pre-Vincent Rain” found ways to survive despite the circumstances. The “after-Vincent” Rain just gave up without trying.
Throughout the whole story, I was wondering when (or how) the two parts of Rain’s life would intersect. We get a glimpse of that at the end of this book, but we must wait for the next book to discover how it plays out. I will definitely continue this journey when book 2: Found is available. I would rate this book with 4.5 out of 5 stars because of the issues with Rain that I mentioned above.
May 3, 2020
This fantastic book has two storylines. A present and a past making you wonder the whole book when their worlds are going to collide!
I love, love, loved the childhood/past storyline. I couldn’t wait for it to flip back to hear more about the younger versions. The butterflies in my stomach for the realistic feelings of these two was out of this world! Zach is a white knight to a girl , Rain, who needs saved, and of course she is beautiful and doesn’t know it , a fighter and doesn’t realize it and has value to no end and hasn’t discovered it . You will fall in love with Zach for being what every girl wants in her life, and for all the wars he has to fight to figure out who he is. It’s the story everyone loves to hear!
I’ll be honest I was very turned off by the present storyline once she meets Vincent. I felt like it was missing details as to why he was so intrigued with her or even saw the events that led to them meeting . Then it was waaaay to 50 shades of grey from receiving packages, to the overwhelming wealth and power, with multiple apartments in the city, stylist coming to her , people sent to find her and protect her, control that doesn’t seem realistic , even slight bondage for a hot minute. But like every Portia Moore book, then comes the twists and turns and it’s not her normal twists, so it is not predictable. To me it was following 50 so much that I had a hard time transitioning when it no longer did! (Which I’m thankful it transitioned) Then unlike Grey, Vincent is hard to love, he is not a love able character. That storyline overall was hard to read! But I’ll admit I’m super ready for the second book with how it ended ! I’m even ready to read more of Vincent and I have a feeling if it was one huge book instead or a part two I’d have no complaints because I believe Vincent needed to be developed how he was.
The best part of the book is the ending, of course and I’m so thankful that book two is coming out .
Congrats to @M. James The characters in the book are developed so well, Zach and Rain are the kids next door you never realized how real their struggles were. The family cycles that can go on for generations or those who dare to break them is such a strong theme. I enjoyed the well developed characters and thought out journeys in their lives to make them who they are . For a first book, it was great! I would give it a 4 stars simply for the likeness to 50 that was hard for me to swallow.
Portia you know I’m your biggest fan💜. Congrats to you too!
May 3, 2020
Ok, so for some reason I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning which is funny because usually I am sucked right into her books. I usually have a hard time putting them down. I stuck with it because hey its Portia!!!! Once I really got into the book and got into the story line I was hooked!! WOW! I am not sure who I am more into Zack or Vincent. But one thing is for sure, it is one heck of a roller coaster of emotions. I found my self getting pissed as hell to wanting to just lay down and cry. I even found my self wanting throw my kindle a time or two. Vincent found my self loving him and hating him. He seems so perfect in the beginning but you find your self wondering what's wrong with him. There's got to be catch somewhere. No one is that perfect. Then there it is!!! His true colors. Portia has suck a way of having you in a guessing game and then blowing you ever loving mind!!! This is not exception. We done again. I so can't wait for the next one!!!!! Just when I think you can't do it again!!!
April 30, 2020
This is a great start to a new series of books in Portia’s inimitable style: romance with a twist, with a dark undertone.
The characters are wonderfully built, the storyline captivates from the start, and the sex scenes are very hot!
I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and could barely put it down.
The twist at the end was unexpected and has me wanting more.
This is a debut novel for author Monique James, who has co-written this with Portia and, I must say that the writing styles of the 2 authors mesh seamlessly.
Zach, please get your act together fast and get back to where you belong.
Rain, focus on what’s really important, before it’s too late.
Vincent, really? Get a life and just FO. Truly!!
The characters are wonderfully built, the storyline captivates from the start, and the sex scenes are very hot!
I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and could barely put it down.
The twist at the end was unexpected and has me wanting more.
This is a debut novel for author Monique James, who has co-written this with Portia and, I must say that the writing styles of the 2 authors mesh seamlessly.
Zach, please get your act together fast and get back to where you belong.
Rain, focus on what’s really important, before it’s too late.
Vincent, really? Get a life and just FO. Truly!!
May 2, 2020
Exceptional book with twists and turns that will keep you reading! Rain and Zach meet each other as teens from very poor families with lots of problems. They become best friends and slowly fall for each other. Just as they think that they can be together, something tragic happens that leaves Zach with no choice but to leave. Fast forward five years, Rain meets Vincent and is swept off her feet by him. He treats her like a princess and the world is her oyster with him. But everything is not as it seems with their relationship and is Rain is having her doubts. Can she ever get over her first love? And what has become of Zach? This is a must read book that you will definitely fall in love with.
April 30, 2020
OMG what can I say. This book is captivating and addictive. I couldn’t put it down! This story will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The way the authors capture your attention from the start and keep you dying to read more. How they can make you feel so many emotions towards the characters.
I love rain, she’s a real sweetheart. That doesn’t give up on what she wants...until Vincent! I’m even more in love with zach, I can’t wait for him to come back! You will not be disappointed with the story and I can’t wait for the next book. Talk about cliff hanger. Portia never disappoints and well done M.James I loved it!
I love rain, she’s a real sweetheart. That doesn’t give up on what she wants...until Vincent! I’m even more in love with zach, I can’t wait for him to come back! You will not be disappointed with the story and I can’t wait for the next book. Talk about cliff hanger. Portia never disappoints and well done M.James I loved it!
September 4, 2020
OK I think this was soo good.
I think it might have been one of the best descriptions of subtle psychological manipulation and abuse.
I loved how the writer depicted it... it was really progressive and we could see everything that went through the heroine's head...her doubts, her misgivings, how she made excuses and how she got trapped in her golden cage.
I really cannot waith for the next book!!!
I liked all characters... and I do mean all...even the bad guy...we kinda saw the warped and twisted way he sees things... It doesnt make sense, but you can kinda understand how he got that way... And why he puts so much value on appearances and material things....
I think it might have been one of the best descriptions of subtle psychological manipulation and abuse.
I loved how the writer depicted it... it was really progressive and we could see everything that went through the heroine's head...her doubts, her misgivings, how she made excuses and how she got trapped in her golden cage.
I really cannot waith for the next book!!!
I liked all characters... and I do mean all...even the bad guy...we kinda saw the warped and twisted way he sees things... It doesnt make sense, but you can kinda understand how he got that way... And why he puts so much value on appearances and material things....
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